This comparative review delves into the overdose crisis, employing various theoretical frameworks to analyze its origins, consequences, and potential solutions. By examining historical, social, and economic factors, this review elucidates the systemic failures underlying the crisis, including liberal opioid prescribing practices and socioeconomic disparities driving drug use. It critiques the punitive drug policies in the United States, emphasizing how they perpetuate cycles of incarceration and stigma while failing to address underlying health and social issues. In contrast, the review highlights Portugal's paradigm-shifting approach, informed by harm reduction and public health principles.

The review engages with critical theories of policy analysis and implementation, investigating how framing effects, social stigma, and institutional logics influence the adoption and effectiveness of harm reduction strategies. It underscores the importance of advocacy, education, and community engagement in overcoming institutional barriers and shifting societal attitudes towards drug use. Moreover, the review considers the challenges of integrating harm reduction into substance misuse treatment frameworks, navigating conflicting beliefs and values within institutional contexts. Ultimately, the review advocates for solidarity, empathy, and unwavering commitment to promoting public health and social justice in the fight against the overdose crisis. Through nuanced analysis and empirical evidence, the study offers insights into potential pathways forward, emphasizing the collective responsibility in supporting individuals affected by substance misuse disorders.

Dr. Ajlina Karamehic-Muratovic was an integral person throughout my senior year studies. She has been the best mentor a student could possibly ask for. She never failed to show her support in any way she could, as she always made sure I knew she was accessible to me. I learned a lot of valuable lessons from her courses that broadened my perspective of health and medicine, which will be beneficial to me as an aspiring physician.